There are an estimated 7-12 individual Amur Leopards left in China and approximately 57 individiual Amur Leopards remaining as a viable population in Russia: between Vladivostok and China. 

The Amur Leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world and is classed as critically endangered.

As the cats main prey includes hares, badgers, along with roe and sika deer: they are in competition with hunters and are considered a threat. For this reason, hunters snare and trap the cats and then sell their magnificent hides.  Humans are contributing strongly to the endangered status of this leopard.  This along with habitat destruction is seriously affecting their chances for survival.

I really enjoyed portraying my pastel portrait of an Amur Leopard and truly hope that through education and greater protection, we are able to preserve these beautiful cats for future generations.

Thank you to professional photographer Ben Williams for the use of his lovely photo as reference.